Boys Appeal - Spring 2023

CHRIS DOYLE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 414 Boys Home Road | Covington | VA | 24426 540.965.7700 | info@boyshomeofva.org Website | boyshomeofva.org Dear Friends, Greetings from “The Hill!” There is still excitement around campus as seven students recently walked across the Boys Home stage and became graduates. They represent seven individual stories of success, each overcoming adversity in their lives and growing tremendously in their time at Boys Home. Their transformations are the combined result of hard work, resilience, encouragement, structure and the love provided by our mission-driven staff. These graduates are on a path to leading successful, purpose-driven lives, and we look forward to seeing the impact they make in the world. Congratulations and one last Big Five ("Big Five" is a program to acknowledge and reward acts of kindness or achievement from students, staff members and guests.) to Cody, Jareem, Jude, Mason, Mulu, Rylee and Tim! The past school year was an eventful one! Allow me to share a few of the highlights: In January, Boys Home was accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools. Accreditation from VAIS is recognition of the high standards of the Boys Home program and the quality and commitment of our staff. VAIS membership places us in good company with excellent independent schools throughout the state and provides significant opportunities for staff professional development.

Students completed eight service projects, and our Key Club volunteered 288 hours of service in the community. It is encouraging to witness students living out the promise of the sign above the chapel door that reads, “Exit to Serve.”

Boys Home expanded the athletics program by adding junior varsity basketball. The addition gave younger students the opportunity to wear a Boys Home jersey, build character, learn leadership skills and study the fundamentals of the sport.

Students returned to bi-weekly Sunday worship at Emmanuel Episcopal, our founding church. We are grateful to the congregation for welcoming students and staff as members of the Emmanuel community.

For the remaining two Sundays of the month, students worship at local area churches.

I am extremely hopeful about the future of Boys Home. In April, the Board of Trustees approved a five-year strategic plan, which provides a roadmap to strengthen the foundation of Boys Home, grow the program, increase the number of young men served and further the impact we make in the community. In the coming year, the staff and I will execute plans to move us toward the vision of the strategic plan.

Thank you for your commitment to the Boys Home mission! Your support makes a difference in the lives of the current students and creates opportunities for future students. As the seniors begin their next chapter in life, I look forward to watching them grow into men who positively impact their communities and serve as role models. Once again, thank you for supporting a mission that transforms lives by offering hope, a path forward and a brighter future.

Onward,

Chris Doyle | Executive Director

Mr. Chris Doyle, M.Ed., MBA Executive Director

UPCOMING EVENTS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES: President: Mr. John Williams Vice President: Mr. Perry Williams Treasurer: Mr. Kenneth Robison The Rt. Rev. Mark Bourlakas | Bishop Diocese of Southwestern Virginia The Rev. Canon Mark Furlow | Bishop Representative Diocese of Southwestern Virginia The Rt. Rev. Susan Haynes | Bishop Diocese of Southern Virginia The Rev. Canon Roy Hoffman | Representative Diocese of Southern Virginia Dr. Demetria Bates Mr. Matthew Compher The Hon. Philip DiStanislao, Jr. The Rev. Emily Edmondson Mr. Eric Greenwood Ms. Kathy Ingram Mr. Robert Miller Ms. Ann Patterson Mr. Dale Reed The Rev. Chris Roussell Mr. Bernard "Bud" Syme Mr. Ramon Williams Mr. Robert Mills Mr. Bobby Trice Alumni Representative

Stay up to date!

Contact Sandra Scruggs to receive the online monthly newsletters about campus happenings or the spiritual life at Boys Home.

540.965.7715 sfscruggs@boyshomeofva.org

JUNE 17 | Alumni Meeting JULY 10 - 15 | Galilee Episcopal Church Sports Camp at Boys Home AUGUST 2 | First Day of Classes 2023-2024 Academic Year OCTOBER 28 | The 7th Annual Boys Home Harvest Hustle OCTOBER 31 | P. Buckley Moss Print Raffle Drawing

HARVEST HUSTLE October 28, 2023 Boys Home's 7th annual Harvest Hustle will offer a 5K, 10K and half-marathon! The race will start and end at the Intervale Trailhead of the Jackson River Scenic Trail in Covington. For more information, please visit the race website at www.runforboyshome.org or contact Melinda.

Looking for a way to advertise your business?

Boys Home offers event sponsorships at all levels. For more information, contact Melinda.

MELINDA NICHOLS mnichols@boyshomeofva.org | 540.965.7707

SPRING WISH LIST New youth and adult bike helmets Sunscreen Insect repellent Mechanical and #2 pencils Index cards Boxes of tissues New backpacks Liquid hand soap Sanitizing wipes Bath towels

Meet Class of 2023

Tim Kengni

Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Tim arrived at Boys Home when he was 12. He spent five years here.

While at Boys Home he enjoyed lifting weights, reading and philosophy. When asked what legacy he wants to leave, he stated, "I want to be remembered as truly being myself. I want to be remembered as Tim." He will continue his education at Mountain Gateway Community College in the fall.

Rylee Callis

Originally from Mathews, Virginia, Rylee arrived at Boys Home when he was 14. He spent four years here.

While at Boys Home he enjoyed hunting, fishing and working on the farm. He wanted his senior picture with the farm dog Pippy. When asked what legacy he wants to leave, he stated, "I want to be remembered as a hard worker." Since graduation, Rylee is working with a family friend at his contracting business in Mathews. Eventually, he wants to pursue a job with Dominion Energy.

Mason Peterson

Originally from Stevensville, Montana, Mason arrived at Boys Home when he was 14. He spent four years here.

While at Boys Home he enjoyed playing soccer. When asked what legacy he wants to leave, he stated, "I want to be an inspiration to the next generation of Boys Home to achieve Group 4 and be great!" (Group 4 is the highest achievement in the program based on the student's performance in school, behavior and chore completion.) Mason will continue his education at Mountain Gateway Community College. He will study welding in the fall.

Cody Payne

Originally from Warrenton, Virginia, Cody spent seven years at Boys Home. While here he enjoyed working with the animals on the farm, reading, basketball and football. When asked what legacy he wants to leave, he stated, "I want to be remembered as a silent leader." Cody will continue his education at Mountain Gateway Community College in the fall.

Jareem Reid Originally from Somerset, New Jersey, Jareem arrived at Boys Home when he was 16. He spent two years here. While here he enjoyed playing on the soccer team. When asked what legacy he wants to leave, he stated, "I want to be remembered as a great soccer player." Jareem will continue his education at Mountain Gateway Community College. He will study welding in the fall.

Jude Dostal Originally from Alliance, Ohio, Jude arrived at Boys Home when he was 14. He spent six years here. While here he enjoyed listening to music and walking around the beautiful campus.

When asked what legacy he wants to leave, he stated, "I want to be remembered as a hard worker." Jude has already begun a full-time job at Jeter-Watson Elementary School in custodial work. His goal is to save money and eventually buy his own place.

Mulu Slawta

Originally from Talent, Oregon, Mulu arrived at Boys Home when he was 13. He spent just over five years here. While here he enjoyed playing on the soccer and basketball team. When asked what legacy he wants to leave, he stated, "I want to be remembered as someone who gained a lot from the Boys Home program." Mulu will continue his education at Mountain Gateway Community College in the fall.

Commencement and Awards The fifth annual Boys Home commencement exercise took place on Saturday, May 20, 2023.

Boys Home was proud to celebrate the graduation of seven seniors. In addition, awards were presented to staff, instructors and other Boys Home residents.

The following awards and recognitions were made: Steven Rogers Memorial Award

Teacher of the Year Katherine Farmer

Mason Peterson The Bill & Lang Wilson Scholarship Award

Houseparent of the Year

Cody Payne

Jessica Rhine

The Shama Baggott Award

Key Club Outstanding Service Awards

Jude Dostal

Josh Eng Cody Payne Tim Kengni

Barry D. Mays Memorial Award

The Tice Family Think About Contest

Berlin & Frances Lineberry Scholarship

Carveon Lee

Jareem Reid

Farm Crew Worker of the Year

"Go Big or Go Home" - Derrick Cash Award

Rylee Callis

Martial Arts Jude Dostal - White Belt Mason Peterson - Most Improved

St. Anne’s Guild and St. John's Episcopal Church Rylee Callis, Jude Dostal, Tim Kengni, Jareem Reid, Mulu Slawta, Cody Payne and Mason Peterson

Boys Home Scholarship Mountain Gateway Education Foundation Mulu Slawta Mason Peterson Cody Payne Jareem Reid

The David C. Hall Memorial Award

Mason Peterson

Tim Kengni Kiwanis - Paul Siple Memorial Scholarship Mason Peterson Richard Brian Snead Award Jareem Reid Donald "Pete" Dimick Memorial Scholarship Chris Silvas

Cody Payne

Madeline S. Mumford Memorial Scholarship

Joseph D. & Hilda C. Dent Memorial Award

Mason Peterson

Mulu Slawta

The George Floyd Rogers Citizenship Award

The Matthew Foster Honorary Scholarship

Rylee Callis The Sam Cunningham Award

Cody Payne

The Michael Folland Award

Sage Custalow

Rylee Callis

The Harrison Resilience Award

Leadership in Action

Mason Peterson

The Coyotes Cody Payne Jareem Reid Mulu Slawta Rylee Callis Tim Kengni Mason Peterson

Wordsmith offered the keynote address.

George Floyd Rodgers Award Presented by Will Rogers Grandson of founding Executive Director The Rev. George Floyd Rogers

Rylee Callis delivered the senior speech.

The Shama Baggott Award

The Michael Folland Award

Key Club - Outstanding Leadership Awards

Presentation of walking sticks

The Sam Cunningham Award

Basketball - Team Leadership Award

Time to move the tassel, you have graduated!

Congratulations Class of 2023!

Welcome to the Alumni Association of Boys Home.

Planned Giving | A Legacy Bigger Than You

Meet

Jenny Fife Through a smile, the newest member of the Navigators Society Jenny Fife stated, “As a follower of Christ, I strive to live a life of helping others. I am delighted that I have the opportunity to leave a gift to the young men of Boys Home. The decision fills me with joy!” The Navigators Society is comprised of individuals who have included Boys Home in a bequest, trust, will or other planned giving instrument.

Jenny has been a resident of Roanoke, Virginia, since 1999. The move to Roanoke was prompted by a new rector position for her husband Richard with St. Elizabeth’s in the Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia. Jenny stated, “I was first introduced to Boys Home by being part of the Episcopal Diocese. I have been an active member my whole life. Boys Home and its mission are truly a jewel of the Episcopal church. I was blown away during my visit to campus for the 2022 Fall Open House. The visit electrified me after hearing about the program and messages from staff and students. The students spoke candidly about their lives at Boys Home and their faith journeys.”

Jenny’s passion for at-risk youth began many years before her visit in 2022. After twenty-eight years as a public educator in Charlottesville, Albemarle County and Roanoke, Virginia, she was ready to retire. She spent the next seven years working as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for neglected or abused children in the foster care system. “It truly makes me happy to see a child succeed. Places like Boys Home are a blessing to young men in need of assistance. It is a place for them to flourish. The model takes the student where they are developmentally and moves them toward success.”

During the interview, Jenny was asked about the process for arranging the legacy gift. She stated, “It was easy! The decision was made when my husband and I were reviewing our wills. Like every teacher in Virginia, I had an insurance policy. Boys Home felt like a wonderful fit for that policy. I called Virginia Retirement System (VRS) and asked for a form to change my beneficiary. Once I completed the form, I mailed it back and they made the change. My advice to those interested in a similar gift would be to think creatively about a way to access different funds or creative ways to help. I sincerely believe Boys Home of Virginia is a holy place where you can see God’s work. I wanted to be part of sustaining that incredible story and its future through a meaningful gift.”

If you would like to learn more about planned gifts or have any questions, please contact Executive Director Chris Doyle at (540) 965-7704 or cdoyle@boyshomeofva.org.

Alumni Corner | David Harrison Before arriving at Boys Home, David describes a life of poverty, neglect, abuse and lack of consistent structure. At a young age, he knew he was not headed toward a path of success. In September 1986, David and his brother Michael were issued Child in Need of Services (CHINS) petitions that sent them to The Shenandoah Valley Juvenile Detention Center.

After a brief stay, they were accepted into a group home in Lexington, Virginia. In December 1986, they lost their beloved grandmother, who had played a significant maternal role. Afterward, both young men began to have some behavioral issues. On February 7, 1987, David and his brother arrived at Boys Home. David stated, “When I arrived, I was 13, underweight and undersized. I was excited about the prospect of a warm meal. I knew I had the opportunity for a better life, and it was up to me to choose what I was going to do with it.”

David spent the next four years at Boys Home. Some of his fondest memories include fishing, swimming by the cliffs at Dunlap Creek and playing basketball. David shared an exciting memory of when the Boys Home basketball team played the number two ranked Tygarts Valley High School in West Virginia in 1990. The team was down by 21 points. “Coach McElwee and Coach Neal had faith in me to lead our team back. I played the game of my life that night in the second half because I knew failure was not an option. We stunned them! Hearing that crowd go quiet when I hit those free throws to tie the game is still one of the most beautiful silences I can remember. The team went on to win the inaugural NFCCE National Basketball Championship in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1990. I still have as much Boys Home team pride today as I did during that moment. During my time at Boys Home, the most important life lessons I learned were those of personal responsibility, leadership and service to others.”

After graduating from Alleghany High School in 1991, David attended East Tennessee State University. Despite a strong start, he soon became distracted. After two years he was suspended due to an excess of class withdrawals and lost his financial aid. David continued his education at Northeast State Community College in Blountville, Tennessee. He stated, “Boys Home played a huge role in me eventually returning to East Tennessee State University and finishing my education. I had learned that giving up was not an option.” David graduated in May 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in Spanish.

After college graduation, David began his career with the United States Army. Due to several injuries, his service was limited to two years. After the Army, David began working at the James H. Quillen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee, in 2005. The move to Johnson City, Tennessee, was for the new job but also allowed David to be an active father. He stated, “I wanted to be close enough to raise both of my daughters, Abbey and Jaden. I was determined to be a great father, and that became the most important goal in my life. I had a purpose.”

While at James H. Quillen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, he served as a clerk in the emergency department and later as a program support clerk in a residential mental health program. David was able to receive training in 2013 to become a peer support specialist for the mental health residential recovery program at Johnson City Veterans Affairs Clinic. He enjoys having a role in assisting fellow veterans work for change in their mental and physical health, being self-directed and striving to reach their full potentials.

David disclosed that his personal recovery began at Boys Home. “I saw a psychologist and psychiatrist in the local community. The medical model was a little different then, and the focus was more on what’s wrong with you versus the current recovery model of what are you able to do and identifying your strengths. Boys Home filled in the gaps to help me develop physically, academically, emotionally and spiritually. The Boys Home experience prepared me for the role I serve today.”

David’s Boys Home pride is displayed at graduation when he returns to present the “Harrison Resilience Award” to a young man who demonstrates the desire, determination and diligent effort to bounce back from difficult or challenging circumstances and not give up. David stated that his brother is the motivation for the award. “He has overcome life’s challenges with a tremendous work ethic and positive attitude,” David says.

In his free time, David enjoys attending sporting events for his favorite teams: Tennessee Vols, UNC Tar Heels, Washington Commanders and the Atlanta Braves as well as fishing, boating on the lake, traveling and spending time with friends and family. David married his wife Tammy in 2021. While reflecting on his time at Boys Home, he stated, “I was able to experience love and support from so many who genuinely cared about my wellbeing and my life.” Now David lives out that vision by positively inspiring the community around him in Tennessee and the place that changed the trajectory of his life, Boys Home of Virginia.

“The opportunity changed the trajectory of my life. For the first time, I had a chance.”

St. John's Episcopal Church in Lynchburg, Virginia, planted daffodils.

Sue Rogers Rose | Spring Open House Granddaughter of former Executive Director Dr. E. Reinhold Rogers

Staff/alumni-versus-student game

Former Trustee Appreciation Lunch

Spring minimester | Cottage olympics

A Rite of Passage | Seniors to Alumni At the end of April, seven seniors and staff departed on an adventure. A grant from the National Park Foundation and a donation from the Boys Home Alumni Association assisted with the trip expenses. The excursion led to Busch Gardens, Jamestown, Galilee Episcopal Church, Fort Monroe, Fort Monroe Beach and the Riverfront Canal Walk in Richmond, Virginia. While at Busch Gardens, several challenges were made to see who would ride the tallest roller coaster. When the group was at Galilee Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia, they participated in a youth worship service, games and a cookout. In addition, an outing to Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant was an exciting experience. For the first time, many young men learned how to crack and enjoy crab legs. The trip provided time for fun, education, worship and an opportunity for the students to bond and celebrate a life milestone, high school graduation.

Following the trip, the two-day senior challenge took place at the beginning of May. The graduating class was tested mentally, physically and emotionally as they trekked the 1,200-acre property of Boys Home, covering over ten miles in two days. The students worked together to complete a variety of difficult tasks. Throughout the challenge, the group was tested on the history of Boys Home, helping prepare them to become informed alumni.

Landscape Manager Josh Brown was one of the staff members who assisted with the senior challenge. He stated, “I have been a part of the challenge since it began in 2018. At a point in the challenge when most teams fall apart, this team came together. They leaned on one another and pushed forward. I have never seen a group connect in such a unique way to succeed.” The team unity earned the group the best completion time to date, and each team member earned The Leadership in Action award at the Boys Home Graduation and Awards Ceremony.

Following the rigorous senior challenge, the new Boys Home alumni recognition dinner occurred on May 19.

The guests included existing alumni, seniors and their families. The seniors learned the importance of the Boys Home Alumni Association’s motto, “Few have lived as we.” The graduating class joined a unique group of brothers. Alumnus Danny Cale was one of the speakers. He used the analogy of a toolbox the young men have now been gifted by Boys Home. A toolbox full of life lessons and skills they can use throughout their lives. During the dinner, Boys Home executive leaders offered words of encouragement to the Class of 2023. The group was each gifted with a class ring, a Boys Home Alumni Association shirt and a religious necklace from the Reverend Anne Grizzle.

The entire Boys Home community is extremely proud of the graduating senior class and wishes them well in their future endeavors. May you always remember that you have a home at Boys Home.

Josh Brown on the grill.

Senior challenge Jareem and Cody

Senior trip - Jamestown, VA

New alumni recognition dinner

Senior challenge

Alumnus Danny Cale